Professional Development Schools

Looking for a fast-track entry to the teaching profession? Consider Marymount’s Professional Development School! A collaborative effort with Fairfax County Public Schools, this highly selective program combines coursework with a 9-month internship placement. Students complete the full program in one calendar year.

By spending an academic year gaining hands-on experience in a variety of classroom settings, PDS graduates are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the teaching profession. Completion of the PDS program leads to a master’s degree in education (M. Ed.) and teaching licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

A master’s degree with licensure is available through the PDS in the following areas:

Interns selected for the PDS program begin their coursework in May and their internship in August. It is a full-time, three semester program over the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Interns work in the PDS schools Monday through Thursday during school hours and have classes on Fridays or weekday evenings. All interns graduate and finish their M.Ed. program and internship in mid-May.

Marymount's Professional Development School program offers you

the opportunity to be immersed in multiple school settings for one school year

a “real life” teacher preparation model that includes high-needs and diverse student populations

the opportunity to learn and be guided by experienced, trained mentor teachers

opportunities to put theory and learning from University courses into practice through a hands-on, minds-on internship